Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar police have prohibited DJ music during Dussehra idol immersion processions in the city and warned that violations will lead to the seizure of equipment and the registration of criminal cases, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saravana Vivek M said on Tuesday.
Speaking to the media, the DCP said the police had held two meetings with immersion procession organisers to communicate the restrictions and discuss arrangements for the celebrations. The organisers had agreed to comply with the rules, he said.
“DJ music is prohibited during immersion processions in Bhubaneswar. If anyone violates the rules, the DJ equipment will be seized and a criminal case will be registered,” Saravana said.
He added that when organisers sought clarification on alternatives to DJ music, the police advised them to use traditional musical instruments.
The police have also put security arrangements in place for ‘Ravan Podi’ events at nine locations across Bhubaneswar. According to the DCP, permission has been granted for the events, and organisers have been issued safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
As part of the safety measures, a minimum distance of 100 metres must be maintained in all directions from each ‘Ravan Podi’ site. Fireworks storage facilities must be located at least 250 metres away from the event sites, he said.
Two platoons of police personnel will be deployed at each of the nine locations, while fire service teams have also been requisitioned to respond to any emergencies. The DCP expressed hope that the events would pass off peacefully and urged organisers to cooperate with the police and fire service personnel.
Meanwhile, the police have made elaborate arrangements for the Dussehra Bhasani Utsav, or idol immersion ceremony, in the city. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has developed temporary immersion ponds at six locations: three near the Kuakhai River, one near the Daya River, one near Centurion University and one in the Chandaka area.
A total of 48 platoons of police personnel, along with around 100 officers of various ranks, will be deployed to maintain law and order during the immersion ceremonies, Saravana said.
The police have urged organisers and participants to follow the prescribed guidelines and cooperate with the authorities to ensure that the festivities are conducted peacefully.
